Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: An improved rail fastening assembly composed of a new rail spike and a contact plate member for maintaining a rail in the preset contact with a cross-tie. The assembly of the present invention maintains rail gauge in spite of long and heavy trains.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically laying block units, such as bricks or concrete blocks, to form a wall-like structure. The block units are successively positioned beneath a gripping head which picks up each block unit and deposits it on a table which is mounted for lateral movement and for movement normal to this lateral movement. After each block is placed on the table, the latter is shifted laterally a block length until a course of block units is formed, after which the table is shifted a block height in the direction normal to the course. Then a second course of block units is formed against the first course of units. These operations are continued until a wall-like structure of predetermined dimensions is formed.

Abstract: Apparatus including a digger for digging a trench to a predetermined level which is maintained by control apparatus responsive to a laser beam plane. The earth removed by the digger is directed into screening apparatus, and at least some of the fine particles therefrom are spread over the bottom of the trench to a predetermined depth. A roller unit follows the digger and presses a system of channels in the trench bottom. The coarser particles from the screening apparatus are then spread over the trench bottom and the channels. If desired, the apparatus may include means for directing a sealant over the surfaces of the channels before the coarse particles are directed thereover.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically laying block units, such as bricks or concrete blocks, to form a wall-like structure. The block units are successively positioned beneath a gripping head which picks up each block unit and deposits it on a table which is mounted for lateral movement and for movement normal to this lateral movement. After each block is placed on the table, the latter is shifted laterally a block length until a course of block units is formed, after which the table is shifted a block height in the direction normal to the course. Then a second course of block units is formed against the first course of units. These operations are continued until a wall-like structure of predetermined dimensions is formed.